Best Cots For Newborns

A cot is a bed that is elevated for your child, which prevents them from falling out. They are available in a variety of styles from bedside cribs (bassinet-style cots that are attached to the side of your bed for secure co-sleeping) to travel cribs.

Mum tester Jasmin loved the cot's handy storage compartment to store blankets and sheets. It's also easy to set up and has an incline to alleviate reflux.

1. Mamas&Papas Franklin Cot Bed

Cot beds are a new parent's best friend, keeping baby warm and (hopefully) sleeping soundly. When shopping for a there's a lot to consider, from spec and safety to design and. A good cot should last from newborn to toddlerhood. Therefore, durability is crucial. The cot is sleek and durable and is in compliance with all the current standards. It's also priced reasonably and includes an extra mattress.

Tested by: Gemma, mum to Boden 13 months old

Mamas&Papas is a master at creating practical and stylish nursery furniture and this cot is not an exception. It's a stylish option for the first room of your baby and features a modern gray finish that will suit any colour scheme. Additionally, it can be converted into an adorable toddler bed or daybed for long-lasting use. It also has two different heights for the base, making it more secure and easier to reach your child than a standard drop-side cot. Its unique shape allows it to pass through the majority of doors, which is a great bonus for parents who are time-strapped. There's even a dresser/changer that will keep your baby's essentials close at hand.

2. SnuzFino Cot Bed

This cot can grow with your baby from birth until around four years of age. It has two mattress levels, so you can begin with a higher level and then move to a lower one as your baby grows and learns to sit on their own. It was awarded Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2024 for the best Moses basket or crib, cot or crib.

This cot is more streamlined than other models we tested. It's also suitable for smaller spaces. It also features a handy side door that lets you reach in easily to feed, nappies and changing. Parents loved how easy this cot was to put together and our tester took just 12 minutes to have it set up and ready for use.

When choosing a cot bed, look for ones that conform to safety regulations. To stop your baby's legs from becoming trapped, all cots should have bars no more than 6cm apart. Also, check that the slats have been securely fixed to avoid any loose or damaged fastenings.

It is essential that your baby sleeps on a comfortable Mini Cot Bed mattress. Find pocket springs or latex-coated Coir mattresses, since they provide the most support and won't slide like foams. Also, you should invest in an waterproof mattress cover as any dirt will get into the mattress itself and cause your baby to sweat or feel uncomfortable.

Some cots include additional features like adjustable inclines that ease reflux, as well as storage for nappy necessities (such as the Mamas&Papas Lua Bedside Cot). These can be a great option, but make sure to only purchase items that fit safely and are suitable for your baby.

3. Graco SnuzFino Bedside Crib

This crib is ideal for families who would like to use it from birth and keep it near your bed as baby sleeps. It's a small design that fits easily through standard door frames and weighs just 6kg so it's easy to move around your home. It's also simple to climb up and down from it, which is ideal for those nappy changes.

It's lightweight and portable, meaning you can easily move it between rooms or even on holiday. Its distinct design is popular with new parents who want to access their baby easily in the early stages. It also comes with an incline wedge cover and a fitted mattress that are both beneficial features.

The Toddler Kit will also allow it to be transformed into a toddler bed which is a great option for parents since it will last for as long as your child requires it. It's a gorgeous cot bed with Scandi-inspired looks that will look gorgeous in your nursery and it's also good value for money if you consider how long it will be used for.

Another great alternative is this simple solid pine cot, which is suitable from birth to three years old and costs only PS372. Our testers were impressed by its elegant paneled design. It's simple to assemble and includes teething rail, a storage drawers and adjustable height settings. Its small size means it's a great option for anyone with a smaller room or with sloped ceilings. Its solid construction also means it can stand the years and won't be susceptible to breaking like some cot beds can.

4. Babyletto Bedside Crib

This bedside crib lets parents snuggle their infant close just before bedtime. The NHS suggests that babies be placed in a separate area for the first six months, but many parents find it relaxing to have their child in close proximity before they go to sleep.

This cot from Babyletto is made from non-toxic paints in a vast variety of colors, meaning you can make it a part of the decor of your nursery or bedroom. It's a good option for parents with low ceilings and don't want to take up too much space on the floor. It can be adjusted in 11 different heights, and tilted in four different positions. This includes an incline for reflux.

As well as looking attractive It's also a sturdy design that should last through the toddler years too. One tester for parents told us that her baby was in the crib for two years and that it was in good enough condition to pass on to her newest.

Another benefit is that this cot is small and compact, so it's easy to put together and move around as needed. It's a good fit for parents with smaller rooms and can also be used as a travel cot, too. It was easy to assemble and the testers loved the storage drawer that could hold everything essential for your baby. It's expensive however, it's well worth the cost for its design and function. You'll need to purchase a mattress separately for this cot. We recommend opting for a comfortable, airy mattress that is snug to keep your child from being drowned. It should be a couple of inches shorter than the frame of the cot to stop your child from being able get out.

5. SnuzFino Bedside Cot

The SnuzFino cot is among our most elegant models, but it's not only about looks. With two mattress height settings, this cot will see your baby through their first 18 months, and even convert into an adult bed with the addition of an (available separately) toddler kit. The design is timeless and chic and our test-run showed that it would suit any nursery, especially when you choose an accompanying changing unit and wardrobe.

No matter what type of cot you choose, be sure it is in line with the regulations applicable to your baby's age as well as your home. The bars' spacing should not exceed 6.5cm (two inches) which will stop babies from getting their heads stuck. Also, the surface should not be rough in order to avoid being suffocated. You'll need to purchase the cot mattress that fits perfectly without gaps around the edges. It must also be made of breathable materials in order to keep your baby's body temperature in check.

It's tempting, but be aware of your budget and lifestyle before buying a cot with extra features, such as built-in storage, as well as side panels for the bassinet that can be removed (as the Mamas & Papas Lua Cot). The best cheap cots are designed to let your baby sleep safely and comfortably, and you can often find all-in-one cot beds that have plenty of storage without costing you a fortune.

If you're looking for a cutting-edge option then the SNOO Smart Sleeper crib comes with a built-in sensor that responds to the baby's cry and gently rock their body to sleep in a manner that resembles the womb of their mother. The cost might be a bit high, but for those with fussy sleepers it might be worth the investment.